Buffie M. Hegarty

On November 10, 2025, Buffie Hegarty passed away after a short illness surrounded by her family. Buffie was a strong-willed and generous soul who loved her family fiercely and overcame challenges with poise and grace. Buffie is now reunited with her daughter, Jillian, whom she lost in 2022 and has desperately missed every day since.

Buffie was born on December 27, 1972 to Jane Fortin of St. Johnsbury. Buffie was Jane’s entire world and Jane loved to watch Buffie succeed in everything she did. Growing up, Buffie lived next to her grandparents, so she grew up surrounded with an abundance of love. Her cousins were more like siblings and were always up for whatever adventures they could create together. As a member of the St. Johnsbury Academy Class of 1990, Buffie made the most of her high school years and was a member of the Varsity softball team as a star pitcher.

In 1993, Buffie met the love of her life, Sean Hegarty; they were married on June 30, 2001. In 2000, Sean and Buffie welcomed their first child, Andrew, and in 2002, their daughter, Jillian. Buffie sacrificed many things to give Andrew and Jillian the best education and the best childhood anyone could hope for. She traveled many miles supporting Andrew in all his athletic endeavors and could be seen at the Dance Express studio every night dropping Jillian off to pursue her passion in dance.

At an early age, Buffie began her career at Northern Counties Healthcare, where she worked for over 20 years. In 2012, Buffie switched careers and began working at St. Johnsbury Academy, a place where she could be with Andrew and Jillian during their high school years. At both places, Buffie became more than an employee, as her work ethic was remarkable and her desire to do her best was always evident in the work she did.

Buffie loved the many years she played rec volleyball with her close friends. She knew every word to every 80’s song released, every Reese Witherspoon movie, and every episode of Schitt’s Creek. Her generosity often went unrecognized, which was exactly how she wanted it. She lived to help people, but never wanted the recognition for what she felt was just being a good human.

Buffie is survived by her husband, Sean Hegarty, her son Andrew Hegarty (Peninah), her in-laws Charlie Hegarty, and Connie and Jack Katuzny, her sisters-in-laws, Elaina Hegarty and Sarah Hegarty, as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Buffie was pre-deceased by her daughter, Jillian Hegarty, her mother, Jane Fortin, her grandparents, George and Nathleen Fortin, her aunt Judy LaCoss, her uncles Larry Fortin and Steve Fortin, and her mother-in-law Sherry Hoyt.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 15 at 10:00am in Fuller Hall on the St. Johnsbury Academy campus. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Buffie’s memory to St. Johnsbury Academy, 1000 Main St., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 or Caledonia Home Health Care & Hospice, 161 Sherman Dr., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

Buffie’s memory will live on for many years as she touched so many lives. If nothing else, she would want to remind people to live life to its fullest, never put off making memories with those you love, and do what you can for others, whenever you can. Our world needs more Buffie Hegartys!

Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at caledonialifeservices.com